Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Tell us!

As we head into 2011, it's time to look back over the great books we've read this year. So tell VampChix about the vampire stories you read this year. Which were your favorites? Do you have a favorite vampire series that you are looking forward to the next book in '11? Do you have a fav vampire character? What about vamp movies and TV series? Share!

My pick for best vampire novel of the year is A TAINT IN THE BLOOD, by S. M. Stirling. It's a delectable and wonderfully detailed version of the vampire as another species, here called the Shadowspawn. What I particularly love about the book is that it's an open homage to Jack Williamson's DARKER THAN YOU THINK, but skillfully updated to the science of the present day.

I read quite a few vampire stories this year, but the one I enjoyed the most and that stuck with me was Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith. I loved the author's take on vampires - nothing sparkly about these dangerously scary creatures. Add in steampunk and alternate history and it was a home run for me.

I think my favorite series is the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward. All the violence of a hidden war plus the tender aspect that a tough warrior can show for a mate. Looking forward to "Lover Unleashed"! For a lighter vein (haha) really like Lynsay Sands Argeneau vamps. The idea that immortals are a side effect of curing nanos from Atlantis is endearing.

From all the Vampire books I read it had to be The Vampire Academy series by Richele Mead for series and for the best Vampire Book that touches on Sci-Fi a little would Be the Breed Series from Lara Adrian specifically Taken by Midnight. Happy New Year everyone!

With regards to books, I have to say Jacqueline Lepore's "Descent into Dust" stayed with me. The atmosphere and sense of foreboding reminded me of Jane Eyre (with elements of 'Wide Sargasso Sea'), both which I'd read back in High School. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, continuing with Emma Andrew's mystery.

Regarding movies. Although it wasn't the greatest, 'Daybreakers' actually surprised me as I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did. For 2011 movies, I'm looking forward to 'Priest' and I'm curious about 'Fright Night'.

As per tv, well I enjoyed the year that was 'True Blood' (albeit the season ending left me a bit, 'heh'?), Vampire Diaries still going good (but the 2nd half of season2 returns by Jan 27th) so it almost doesn't count.... And the BBC's 'Being Human'. Just did a season 2 mini-catch-up-marathon, and given the events that transpired towards the season 2 closing, I am anxiously awaiting Season 3.

I'm old school, so forgive me. Let The Right One In isn't new, but I just got around to reading it. Saw the Swedish movie and was intrigued enough to buy the book. Petty interesting. No pretty vampires in it, which was refreshing. I don't consider there being any other vampire series except for Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. Still hoping against hope she'll get back to that. I think she will eventually. Her husband died and she went through her religious phase, but she's coming out of that now, so I'm sure Lestat's lurking somewhere in the back of her mind. My favorite vampire character is Dracula. If it wasn't for Bram Stoker you wouldn't have this site now and I wouldn't be chiming in. I think the source is always the best thing to go to. Everything else is watered down after that. I'm waiting for the Dark Shadows movie to come out. I know Johnny Depp will make a fine Barnabas (great actor), just worried about Tim Burton. You can never tell what he'll do. It could be campy or cool. Call me crazy, but Buffy The Vampire Slayer will always be my favorite vampire TV show lol. Can't wait for that movie either. I think Faith was the main reason I loved Buffy. She can slay me any time she wants. Spike was cool too. I don't even watch TV anymore, so I'm not sure about anything new out, though I'm sure I'd like True Blood if I could force myself to cut on the TV. As far as vampire movies, the best one I ever saw was the 1979 remake of Nosferatu (Phantom Der Nacht) Beautiful photography. Almost an art film. It had some extremely creepy scenes as well. Anyhoo, that's my two cents worth, but you know what they say opinions are like lol.

I'd hardly call Anne Rice's return to Christianity a "phase." Aside from the fact that her wrestling with God can be seen throughout her vampire series (esp. MEMNOCH THE DEVIL, of course) she isn't "coming out of it." She's just published the second novel in her new series about a repentant professional assassin being mentored by an angel.

Not that I wouldn't mind seeing new vampire novels by her (I couldn't fathom why she thought returning to her faith meant she had to give up vampires, but to each her own, and maybe she was just burned out on that theme). However, I must confess I found most of her vampire stories after TALE OF THE BODY THIEF rather flat.

I really enjoyed THE GREYFRIAR, too. The vampires are truly alien to humanity in a way seldom seen in Earth-based other-species vampires. I'm also a fan of Lynsay Sands and glad to see a return to her lighter, more humorous form of romance in HUNGRY FOR YOU.

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